Frank McShane

Francis L. "Larry" McShane, 75, of Palm Harbor, FL passed away on February 16, 2012 at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater, FL. 

Born June 7th 1936, F. Lawrence McShane was the eldest child of Frank L. McShane and Florence E. (Reardon) McShane of Wakefield, MA.  Larry was a graduate of Wakefield High School, Class of 1954.  His class baseball team made the record books when sophomore pitcher Ralph Lazzaro pitched a complete no-hitter in a game against Reading.  The very next day, the same feat was accomplished when Larry McShane pitched a no-hitter against Lexington.  While serving in the U.S. Army (Fort Eustis, VA), he pitched at the All-Army Tournament and the team won the championship in New Jersey.

“Larry” McShane had a strong history of community involvement in Wakefield, MA.  He was a former Baseball Coach at Wakefield Memorial High School for seven years. As Coach with the 1961 All-Stars, they went onto to the Semi-Finals State Tournament in Fitchburg.  In 1978, McShane was the Co-Chairman of the State Tournament held in Wakefield.

McShane also had a long association with the Babe Ruth Program. As one of the six originators: Roger Curran, Les Demarco, James Lilly, Bill Norton, Franny Walsh, McShane served in every capacity from Coach to President.

McShane was a founder and member of the Wakefield Merchants Baseball Team started in 1962, some 50 years ago. In 1969, he also was a booster and organizer of the “Wakefield Twi-League” which is still in existence.  McShane was a lifetime member of the West Side Social Club having served as President of the Building Association at the time the organization completed their $100,000 addition and was once honored as the “Irishman of the Year.” He was also a long-time member of the Wakefield Lodge of Elks.

He had many years of experience in the heavy construction industry, a member of Local Union 88.  He served as Supervisor on the construction of the Mass.  Turnpike, the Amelia Earhart Dam, the North Station Tunnel and the Tufts Medical Center. He also served as Engineering Inspector of new construction for the MBTA, Sullivan Square Station and the Community College Station.

Larry is survived by his children: Marybeth E. Poulin and her husband Scott of East Bridgewater, Lauren McShane of Quincy, Lawrence McShane Jr. Stoughton, and the late Deborah R. McShane by his former wife, Beth MacQuinn. He is also survived by five grandsons: Jacob (Jake) Poulin, Taylor Poulin, Shane Poulin, Collin McShane and Anthony McShane. A great-grandchild is expected in March.

Larry McShane was the eldest brother to the late Margaret (Peggy) Mansfield and the late William (Billy) McShane.

Larry will be greatly missed by his loving companion of twenty-three years, Wilma (Holmquist) Amliw as well as many extended family members and life-long friends.

A Wake for Francis L. (Larry) McShane will be held on Sunday, March 11 (1:00-5:00pm) at The McDonald Funeral Home located at 19 Yale Avenue, Wakefield, MA.

Interment at Forest Glade/Veterans' Cemetery on Monday, March 12 at 11:30am.

A collation/celebration of life following at the West Side Social Club, Harrington Court, Wakefield.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution in his memory can be made to The Wakefield Babe Ruth Association, c/o Tony Cresta, 28 Byron Street, Wakefield, MA 01880 or a local charity of your choice.

Please sign the guestbook below.